When you pass away, you want your estate to move smoothly into the hands of your family and for everything to be divided up precisely according to your wishes. Unfortunately, family disputes are not uncommon here in Forest Hills, NY. An estate planning lawyer who knows state and federal law well can help you protect your estate and your family with a strong plan that minimizes the possibility of disputes.
How Can You Avoid Family Disputes Over an Estate?
Work With an Estate Planning Lawyer in Forest Hills, NY
The first tip is the simplest: always work with a lawyer. An estate planning attorney has seen it all before and worked with many families. They will be able to give you the personalized direction and advice you need to protect your estate. They also understand New York law and the New York probate courts and can protect you and your family while working with both. A good lawyer knows what questions to ask to dig out potential dispute areas and then formulate a plan to prevent them.
Keep Communication Lines Open
Some people think that it’s best to keep their estate plans quiet until they die, often because they don’t want to deal with angry, confused, or disappointed relatives in the moment. While this is understandable, open communication is the best way to prevent disputes later.
As hard as these conversations may be to have now, things will be much worse when you’re not there to explain directly what you’re thinking or to show everyone through open discussion what it is you want and that you are of sound mind. Explain the reasons behind your decisions now and be as transparent as you can about the assets and debts of your estate.
Make Your Documents Clear
Ambiguity is a common reason for disputes among heirs. When a will isn’t crystal clear, heirs can interpret it in different ways. This is most often an issue when people make a will on their own or using online forms. When you work with a qualified lawyer, your lawyer will make sure that everything in your will is very clear and point out where things could be misunderstood and give you advice on how to correct them.
Be Careful Choosing an Exectutor
The executor you name in your estate will be responsible for managing it after your death. It’s crucial that you choose the right person. They must be trustworthy, and they must be willing to give whatever time and effort is necessary to administer your estate correctly. They must be able to stay impartial, and they must have good financial and organizational skills. Never choose an executor who has been in conflict with anyone in the family or whom your family could see as biased. Often, it’s best to ask a law firm to act as your executor.
These are just a few ways to protect your estate and your family. For personalized advice and help in developing the right estate plan for you, contact DeCandido & Azachi in Forest Hills, NY or call us at 347-808-5746. We also have an office in Plano, TX.
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